Filtration system

ABSTRACT

The present invention presents a filtration system with an integrated manifold valve. The filtration system employs only one pivotal component—the pivoting of the manifold. The manifold valve includes a dual aperture design for a two-fold alignment scheme with the ingress and egress lines of the fluid source. The invention is free of multi-component rotary valve with internal, rotatable parts, or an activation component, such as a handle, for initiating the rotary valve, allowing the user to rotate the rotational components thereof. The reduction in moveable components in this design reduces the likelihood of failure and increases the reliability of the filtration system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to water filtration systems combiningat least one filter cartridge with a manifold, and more specifically toa water filtration system of the type having removable cartridges, whilesustaining water flow during filter cartridge replacement. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to a home water filtration systemhaving filter cartridges designed for replacement without waterspillage, and without removing or ceasing water flow to the householdduring filter replacement. The water filtration system is designed forenhanced reliability through the reduction of moving components toperform the aforementioned attributes.

2. Description of Related Art

As evidence by reference to the prior art, it is known heretofore toemploy a valve in water filtration systems to facilitate the removal andchanging of filter cartridges. If the filtration system is designed tohave a bypass feature, where the fluid flow from the source to theendpoint remains uninterrupted during filter cartridge replacement, thevalve must be capable of providing at least two distinct flow paths. Thefirst, when a filter cartridge is secured within the manifold, and fluidis directed from the fluid source to the manifold, through the cartridgefor filtration, and out the manifold to its destination; and the secondduring cartridge replacement when it is desirable for the fluid toeither cease or flow directly from the fluid source to and through themanifold, bypassing the (removed) filter cartridge, and out the manifoldto its destination.

Furthermore, it is generally desirable for the manifold-cartridgeinterface to be sealed from unwanted leakage or dripping during filtercartridge removal. It is desirable for the removal of the cartridge tobe a simple process that can be achieved quickly and efficiently by theend user, typically an untrained person. Solutions to this problem havebeen unsatisfactory, insomuch as these desired functions have introducedcomplexity in the filtration system manifold and cartridge designs,added to the count of component parts, increased manufacturing costs,and decreased product reliability due in part to the addition ofmultiple moving parts.

Although the prior art has attempted to address these concerns, thereremain deficiencies in implementation that implore another approach. Forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,564 issued to Rief, et al., on Oct. 8,2002, entitled “AUTOMATIC-LOCKING SHUT-OFF VALVE FOR LIQUID SUCTIONSYSTEMS,” a rotary shut-off valve is taught having an actuator housing,a base member, a vacuum-reactive member, a spring, and a piston. Theactuator housing is affixed to the valve body adjacent to the plug, andforms an actuator chamber which is in fluid communication with the valvechamber. The base member is affixed to the actuator housing in positionto form one end of the actuator chamber. The base member also forms: (1)a sleeve through which a portion of the piston extends; (2) a guidewhich engages a portion of the piston; and (3) a first spring-abutment.Once the shut-off valve is activated, it requires manual resetting byreturning a reset/override lever to the ready position. This design iscomponent intensive, and there is no bypass configuration whenimplementing this rotary valve.

In U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0247974 published for Gale, et al.,on Oct. 13, 2011, entitled, “FILTRATION SYSTEM,” a filtration system isdisclosed that includes a filter manifold and a filter cartridge. Thefilter manifold comprises a bracket, a handle-activated multi-componentvalve, a manifold feed port, and a manifold filtrate port. Amulti-component rotary valve is held by the bracket and comprises afixed portion attached to the bracket and a rotary portion. Importantly,the handle is operatively connected to the rotary portion of the valveand includes a cartridge lifter to lift and secure the cartridge to themanifold upon rotation of the handle. The cartridge lifter has a cammingramp or a camming lug lifter engagement feature. The handle is rotatableto a filtration position and a disengaged, service or replacementposition. The manifold feed port is blocked by the valve when the handleis in the disengaged position. The filter cartridge has an externalcartridge surface having one of a camming lug or a camming ramp forengaging the lifter engagement feature.

The rotary portion of the design of U.S. Patent Publication No.2011/0247974 is a multi-component design, having a two-part shell withfirst and second cylindrical portions. The first cylindrical portionidentifies a feed channel. The second cylindrical portion identifies afiltrate channel. The first cylindrical portion and the secondcylindrical portion each comprise a portion of a bypass channel. Thebypass channel fluidly connects the feed water source to the filtrateoutlet of filter manifold when the rotary portion is in the lockedposition. When the handle is rotated, the rotary portion of the valve isengaged and rotates. Additionally, when the handle is rotated, acartridge lifter engages a compatible feature on the filter cartridge,thereby lifting the filter cartridge from a cartridge support shelf anddrawing the filter cartridge towards the filter manifold. To disengagethe water source and replace the cartridge, the rotary portion of thevalve is activated by the handle. The handle moves upward while thecartridge remains in the vertical position. Functionally, this designattempts to provide a diversion or bypass for the ingress water when thehandle is moved from the downward (filtration) position, to the upward(service) position.

The handle of the design of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0247974 isattached to the manifold, which holds the rotary valve. The handleconnects specifically to the end of the rotary portions of the valve. Asthe handle is rotated, the rotary portion of the valve is rotated;however, the filter cartridge always remains in its configured (filter)position, that is, in the vertical position. The handle rotation androtary valve rotation do not rotate the filter cartridge.

The multi-component valve having the rotary portion of the valve nestedwithin a fixed portion, and being responsive only to the rotation of aseparate handle, requires additional components, adds additionalcomplexity for manufacturing, and reduces the filtration system'sreliability. Furthermore, with the filter cartridge remaining in itsconfigured (filter) position when the handle is activated (movedupwards), the only indication that the water is not being filtered,i.e., that the system is in bypass mode, is the positioning of thehandle, which could ultimately mislead or confuse a user to think thatwater filtration is still being performed.

In U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0236271 published for Eserkaln, etal., on Sep. 24, 2009, entitled, “MODULAR DRINKING WATER FILTRATIONSYSTEM WITH LOCKING ARRANGEMENT TO ASSURE FILTER CARTRIDGECOMPATIBILITY,” a modular filter system is taught using replaceablefilter cartridges including a locking arrangement to prevent rotation ofthe flow control valve spindle in the filter head. The lockingarrangement includes spring biased locking pins carried on the filterhead and matching unlocking pins on the filter cartridge to operatethrough an intermediate adaptor ring that is set on assembly to matchthe positions of the locking and unlocking pins. A valve spindle isdisposed on the outer housing for reciprocal rotary movement on thefilter body axis between flow and no-flow positions, whereby connectionand disconnection of the outer housing inlet opening and outlet openingwith the cartridge inlet and outlet are provided. Rotation of the filtercartridge rotates a spindle (a form of rotary valve) from the no-flowposition to the flow position. To remove the filter cartridge, thecartridge is turned in the opposite direction causing the spindle torotate in the same direction to close the valve. Water flow is stopped,not bypassed, by this action. The spindle is an additional movablecomponent, separate and distinct from the manifold.

Other water stoppage designs upon removal of the filter cartridge aretaught in U.S. Pat. No. 7,056,436 issued to Stankowksi, et al., on Jun.6, 2006, entitled “DISPOSABLE FLUID SEPARATION DEVICE AND MANIFOLDASSEMBLY DESIGN WITH EASY CHANGE-OUT FEATURE,” and U.S. Pat. No.6,193,884 issued to Magnusson, et al., on Feb. 27, 2001, entitled“DRIPLESS PURIFICATION MANIFOLD AND CARTRIDGE.” In both designs, waterflow is stopped during cartridge removal; however, there is no bypassfeature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it istherefore an object of the present invention to provide a waterfiltration system having rotatably removable cartridges that sustainswater flow during filter cartridge replacement.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a home waterfiltration system where the filter cartridges are designed for removalwithout water spillage, and without stopping water flow into thehousehold during filter replacement.

A further object of the invention is to provide a home water filtrationsystem that incorporates a dripless filter cartridge replacement designthat minimizes moving components, and redirects water flow duringcartridge replacement.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a waterfiltration system that eliminates a multi-component rotary valve and theneed for an activation handle.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part beobvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.

The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled inthe art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to afiltration system having filtrate and bypass modes comprising: a filtercartridge assembly including: a filter media; a sump; a filter cap; afastener; and an ingress port and an egress port extending from thefilter cap and in fluid communication with the filter media; a mountingbracket having left and right sides with respective left and right fluidports, the fluid ports in fluid communication with a manifold and withexternal fluid lines, the mounting bracket supporting the filtercartridge assembly and the manifold; the manifold in fluid communicationwith the filter cartridge assembly and the mounting bracket fluid ports,the manifold including at least first and second apertures on a leftside, and corresponding at least first and second apertures on a rightside, the manifold left and right side first apertures in fluidcommunication with the filter cartridge assembly ingress and egressports, respectively, and with the mounting bracket fluid ports when thefiltration system is in the filtrate mode whereby fluid flow traversesthrough the filter cartridge assembly, the manifold left and rightsecond apertures in fluid communication with the mounting bracket fluidports when the filtration system is in the bypass mode whereby fluidflow bypasses the filter cartridge assembly.

The filtration system includes having the manifold pivotally connectedto the mounting bracket such that when the manifold is pivoted to afirst position relative to the mounting bracket the filtration system isplaced in the filtrate mode, and when the manifold is pivoted to asecond position relative to the mounting bracket the filtration systemis placed in the bypass mode.

The at least first and second apertures on the manifold left side may beadjacent one another, and the at least first and second apertures on themanifold right side may be adjacent one another. A circumferentialresilient seal may be secured about the at least first and secondapertures on the manifold left and right sides, respectively.

The first apertures on the manifold left and right sides are preferablypositioned vertically higher than the second apertures, respectively,such that the first apertures are in fluid communication with themounting bracket left and right fluid ports when the filter cartridgeassembly longitudinal axis is vertical and the manifold is pivoted tothe first position, whereby the filtration system is placed in thefiltrate mode, and such that the second apertures are in fluidcommunication with the mounting bracket left and right fluid ports whenthe filter cartridge assembly longitudinal axis is rotated from verticaland the manifold is pivoted to the second position, whereby thefiltration system is placed in the bypass mode.

The adjacent first and second apertures may comprise a kidney-shapedouter boundary.

The filtration system may further include curved support ledges on theleft and right sides of the mounting bracket; and at least one cartridgeboss on the sump. The mounting bracket curved support ledges arepreferably in slidable contact with the at least one cartridge boss whenthe filtration system is placed in filtrate mode.

The manifold may include at least a left and right pivot boss inrotational contact with respective left and right pivot boss receiverson the mounting bracket left and right sides.

The filtration system may include at least one guide track—shoulder boltcombination on the manifold and the mounting bracket for slidably matingthe manifold to the mounting bracket, the at least one guide trackguiding the manifold pivoting from the first position to the secondposition.

A filter lid having a filter lid top surface adjacent to, and in contactwith, the manifold, and a filter lid bottom surface adjacent to, and incontact with, a top surface of the filter cap may be employed. Thefilter lid may comprise at least one rib or groove formed on, orattached to, the filter lid bottom surface, and the filter capcomprising at least one corresponding groove or rib formed on, orattached to, the filter cap top surface, such that the bottom surface ofthe filter lid adjoins the top surface of the filter cap by mating theat least one rib and groove respectively.

The filter lid may include at least one extended shape or embedded shapeformed on, or attached to, the filter lid bottom surface, and the filtercap may include at least one corresponding embedded shape or extendingshape formed on, or attached to, the filter cap top surface, such thatthe bottom surface of the filter lid adjoins the top surface of thefilter cap by mating the at least one extended and embedded shaperespectively.

The filter lid may also include at least one rib or groove formed on, orattached to, the filter lid top surface, and the manifold having abottom surface comprising at least one corresponding groove or ribformed on, or attached to, the manifold bottom surface, such that thetop surface of the filter lid adjoins the bottom surface of the manifoldby mating the at least one rib and groove respectively.

In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a manifold fora filtration system comprising: a valve including a first and secondaperture on a left side of the manifold, and a corresponding first andsecond aperture on a right side of the manifold, the first and secondapertures on the manifold left side adjacent one another, and the firstand second apertures on the manifold right side adjacent one another,the first apertures on the manifold left and right sides positionedvertically higher than the second apertures, respectively, such that thefirst apertures are in fluid communication with a mounting bracket leftand right fluid ports when the manifold is pivoted to a first position,and the second apertures are in fluid communication with the mountingbracket left and right fluid ports when the manifold is pivoted to thesecond position; and at least one pivot to provide pivotable rotationfor the manifold with respect to the mounting bracket.

The pivot may comprise at least one pivot boss or pivot boss receiver onthe manifold in rotational contact with at least one complementary pivotboss receiver or pivot boss on the mounting bracket. Alternatively, thepivot may include at least one pivot pin or aperture to receive a pivotpin on the manifold in rotational contact with at least onecomplementary aperture or pivot pin on the mounting bracket.

The manifold may have a manifold bottom surface including a plurality ofribs or grooves for mating with a plurality of complementary grooves orribs embedded within a filter lid top surface.

In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to amanifold-mounting bracket combination for securing a filter cartridgeassembly, the combination comprising: the manifold including: a valveincluding a first and second aperture on a left side of the manifold,and a corresponding first and second aperture on a right side of themanifold, the first and second apertures on the manifold left sideadjacent one another, and the first and second apertures on the manifoldright side adjacent one another, the first apertures on the manifoldleft and right sides positioned vertically higher than the secondapertures, respectively, such that the first apertures are in fluidcommunication with a mounting bracket left and right fluid ports whenthe manifold is pivoted to a first position, and the second aperturesare in fluid communication with the mounting bracket left and rightfluid ports when the manifold is pivoted to the second position; atleast one pivot boss or pivot boss receiver; and at least one shoulderbolt or guide track; and the mounting bracket including: at least onepivot boss receiver or pivot boss in rotational contact with the atleast one complementary pivot boss or pivot boss receiver on themanifold to provide pivotable rotation for the manifold; at least oneguide track or shoulder bolt in slidable contact with the at least onecomplementary shoulder bolt or guide track on the manifold for slidablymating the manifold to the mounting bracket, the at least one guidetrack guiding the manifold pivoting from the first position to thesecond position.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a replaceablefilter comprising: a filter media; a filter cap comprising at least oneidentifying groove, rib, extended shape, or embedded shape formed on, orattached to, the filter cap top surface, such that a filter lid havingat least one complementary rib, groove, embedded shape, or extendedshape adjoins the top surface of the filter cap by mating the at leastone rib, groove, extended shape, or embedded shape; a fastener; and aningress port and an egress port extending from the filter cap and influid communication with the filter media.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a replaceablefilter comprising: a filter media; a filter cap; a fastener; an ingressport and an egress port extending from the filter cap and in fluidcommunication with the filter media; and a resilient filter cartridgeenclosure encompassing the filter media, the filter cartridge enclosurehaving apertures to provide for permeability and depressurization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elementscharacteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in theappended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and arenot drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as toorganization and method of operation, may best be understood byreference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the water filtration systemwith a manifold valve with an integrated bypass feature.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the manifold shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the manifold of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of the filtration system of thepresent invention configured in filtrate mode.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the right mounting bracket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 depicts the inside face of the right mounting bracket of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A depicts the positioning of the filter cartridge assembly whenthe filtration system is in filtrate mode.

FIG. 7B depicts the positioning of the filter cartridge assembly whenthe filtration system is in service mode.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, partially transparent view of the upperportion of the filtration system.

FIG. 9A is an exploded view illustrating the alignment of the fluidportal of the right mounting bracket with the filtration port of theintegrated manifold valve when filter cartridge assembly is in filtratemode.

FIG. 9B is an exploded view illustrating the alignment of the fluidportal of the right mounting bracket with the bypass port of theintegrated manifold valve when filter cartridge assembly is in servicemode.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the placement of the manifoldbetween the mounting brackets, and the positioning of a pivoting actionabout which the manifold rotates with respect to the mounting brackets.

FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of a portion of the filter cartridgeassembly with the filter media encased in a filter bag or filtercartridge enclosure, both of which are insertable within the filtersump.

FIG. 12 depicts an exploded, side view of the top portion of the filtercartridge enclosure.

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict the replaceable filter assembly 50.

FIG. 14 depicts a filter cap top surface having extended ribs and anextended shape, and a filter lid bottom surface having groovescorresponding to the filter cap ribs, and an embedded shapecorresponding to the filter cap extended shape.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention,reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1-14 of the drawings in whichlike numerals refer to like features of the invention.

Currently, to replace a filter in a whole home filtration system theconsumer must turn water off to the entire house. The water must bedrained from the downstream pipes, or another valve that is located justafter the filtration system must be turned off. Once the filtrationsystem has been isolated from the water source, a special tool is usedoften to remove the housing that encases the filter. Before a new filteris replaced into the housing, the old filter must be removed from thehousing along with any sediment in the sump. The new filter is placedinto the housing once the housing has been cleaned. The housing is thenhand secured to the manifold. All water valves are turned on again toverify proper assembly. Because the water lines were most likelydrained, there may be an excessive amount of air in the water lines thathas to be forced out.

The present invention is directed to a home water filtration system thataccommodates a replaceable filter cartridge. The filtration system isgenerally placed on a water line upon entrance into a home in order toperform water filtration for the entire home. It is desirable tofacilitate the removal and replacement of a filter cartridge withoutremoving the water source or ceasing water flow to the house. Thepreferred embodiment emphasizes a minimal use of components including aone-piece manifold valve that may be integral with the manifold,activated by movement of the cartridge itself, and does not requireadditional components, such as a handle or rotary valve, to operate.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the water filtration systemwith the manifold valve feature of the present invention. The waterfiltration system includes a filter cartridge assembly 10. Filtercartridge assembly 10 is a vessel adaptable for sustaining pressure, andincludes a sump 2, a replaceable filter 50, a clamp or hoop strap 17,and a filter lid 4, all secured by clamp 17. Replaceable filter 50 isthe assembly that the end user will replace as required. This assemblyincludes a filter media 1, for example a carbon block, encased by filterbag or cartridge enclosure 8, filter cap 3, and various associatedO-rings 7. Ingress port 5 and egress port 6 extend from filter cap 3 andare in fluid communication with each other as well as with manifold 20.Clamp or hoop strap 17 secures replaceable filter 50 to filter lid 4 andsump 2. The replaceable filter 50 is depicted in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13B isan exploded view of the replaceable filter 50. Manifold 20 is rotatablewith respect to left mounting bracket 21 and right mounting bracket 22about left and right pivot bosses 18 that rotatably mate with mountingbrackets 21, 22. Manifold 20 is preferably a one-piece swivel componentrotatable about pivot bosses 18. Pivot bosses 18 are preferablysupported by pivot boss receivers, preferably cylindrical depressions,in mounting brackets 21, 22. In an alternative embodiment, pivot bossesmay be replaced with at least one pivot pin, and pivot boss receiversmay be replaced with apertures or through-holes. These and other pivotconfigurations may be employed to ensure that the manifold is capable ofpivoting with respect to the mounting brackets.

Dual apertures valves 12 are formed on pivotable manifold 20. This dualaperture design eliminates the need for a multi-component rotary valvethat would otherwise employ internal rotatable parts. Furthermore, sinceonly manifold 20 need be pivoted to redirect fluid flow, there is nolonger any need for additional components, such as a handle, to activatethe valve. With filter cartridge assembly 10 directly secured tomanifold 20, the design allows the end user to simply lift the cartridgeup, away from the vertical, which pivots manifold 20 about pivot bosses18. This action repositions the integrated, dual aperture valves 12, andredirects the ingress fluid from one of the dual apertures to the otherwithout the need for internal rotatable components in the design, andwithout the need for an activation handle to act on the internalrotatable components.

Filter cartridge assembly 10 is secured to manifold 20 by the left andright mounting brackets 21, 22. Mounting brackets 21, 22 secure a leftside cartridge boss 9 and right side boss (not shown) on the top portionof sump 2. Each dual aperture, integrated manifold valve 12 is outlinedby a resilient seal 14 to prevent fluid leakage during repositioning.Ingress port 5 and egress port 6 are aligned on respective sides ofmanifold 20 in fluid communication with respective ports of manifoldvalve 12 depending upon the desired direction of the fluid flow.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of manifold 20. Dual aperture, integratedvalve 12 is configured as two separate and distinct upper and lowerfluid portals, a filter port 15 a, and a bypass port 15 b, for directingwater flow in one direction, to and from filter cartridge assembly 10,when the filtration system is in filtrate mode, and in a separate,alternate direction, bypassing filter cartridge assembly 10, when thefiltration system is in service mode. In the preferred embodiment, thecombined geometry of these dual apertures 12 form a kidney shape, butare not limited to any particular geometry. They are also preferablyadjacent one another, separated by a thin wall, to allow for quickredirection of fluid flow with minimal leakage; however, the aperturesmay also be spaced apart provided fluid is not allowed to leak duringthe transition of fluid flow from one port to the other. The dualapertures are formed on, and preferably integral with, manifold 20. Asdiscussed in further detail below, when filter cartridge assembly 10 ispivoted upwards and away from the vertical, the alignment of the ingressand egress water lines are directly connected to one another so that thefluid bypasses filter cartridge assembly 10, and flows directly into thehome unfiltered.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of manifold 20. Threaded holes 19 are formedat three locations on the manifold. Threaded holes 19 secure shoulderbolts 32 (refer: FIG. 4) that are slidably attached to arcuate guidetracks 210 a,b,c in mounting brackets 21, 22. The bottom surface 23 ofmanifold 20 abuts filter cartridge assembly 10.

FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of the filtration system of thepresent invention configured in filter mode. Mounting brackets 21, 22include a backside flat surface 240 with through-holes for attachment ofthe filtration system to a wall or other external mounting surface.During filtrate mode, the longitudinal axis of filter cartridge assembly10 is aligned parallel to the plane of backside surface 240 of thesupporting mounting brackets 21, 22. In this manner, filter cartridgeassembly 10 is generally vertical in filtrate mode when mountingbrackets 21, 22 are typically attached to a wall or other verticalsupport surface. Shoulder bolts 32 are shown at one end of each guidetrack 210 a,b,c.

FIG. 5 is a front view of right mounting bracket 22. Mounting brackets21, 22 may be formed of discrete components. In a preferred embodiment,the mounting brackets are of a one-piece, integral construction, but maybe employed in a multiple component design. Fluid port 224 extendslaterally outwards for connection to an external fluid line (not shown).Curved support ledges 222 are formed on the lower portion of mountingbrackets 21, 22. Ledges 222 support the cartridge bosses 9, which aresubject to downward forces due in part to the weight of filter cartridgeassembly 10 and residual fluid in the cartridge, and the fluid pressurewhen the filtration system is in filtrate mode. Ledges 222 are curvedwith a defined radius to allow for constant contact with cartridgebosses 9 when the rotating filter cartridge assembly 10 is rotatedfreely into position for filtrate mode. The resiliency of ledges 222allows for a snug fit of filter cartridge assembly 10 when in filtratemode. When the filtration system is put in service mode, filtercartridge assembly 10 is rotated away from the vertical axis, away frommounting brackets 21, 22, until cartridge bosses 9 are clear of eachledge 222 of respective mounting brackets 21, 22. At that point, thecartridge may be pulled away from manifold 20 and replaceable filter 50exchanged.

FIG. 6 depicts the inside face of right mounting bracket 22. In asimilar fashion, left mounting bracket 21 is formed identical to rightmounting bracket 22, with symmetrically reversed features. Mountingbrackets 21, 22 include at least one arcuate guide track, and preferablythree arcuate guide tracks 210 a,b,c which preferably are integrallyformed slots. Arcuate guide tracks 210 a,b,c slidably receive respectiveshoulder bolts 32 attached on each side of manifold 20. Guide tracks 210a,b,c allow manifold 20 to slidably pivot from the vertical positionwhere bottom surface 23 is perpendicular with the longitudinal axis offilter cartridge assembly 10, as shown in FIG. 4, to an angle off thevertical. Guide tracks 210 a,b,c provide structural support duringrotation for manifold 20, and ensure that the rotational stop points ofmanifold 20 are defined and coincide with placing filter cartridgeassembly 10 in either filtrate mode or service mode.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the positioning of filter cartridge 10 when thefiltration system is in filtrate mode (FIG. 7A), and when the filtrationsystem is in service mode (FIG. 7B). In FIG. 7A, filter cartridgeassembly 10 longitudinal axis is in-line with the vertical axis 40. InFIG. 7B, filter cartridge assembly 10 is rotated about an angle q offvertical axis 40, such that bosses 9 are clear of ledges 222 to allowfor cartridge removal. In this position, it is evident to an end userthat the system is in bypass mode since filter cartridge assembly 10 isno longer vertical.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, partially transparent view of the upperportion of the filtration system. The inside of right mounting bracket22 is depicted showing the fluid connection to the ingress port 5 offilter cartridge assembly 10. In this figure, substantially all ofmounting bracket 21 is transparent except for circular fluid portal 28,which is in fluid communication with the external fluid lines. Removedfrom this view is manifold 20 except for the dual aperture valve 12, inorder to show the alignment of fluid portal 28 with the ingress port 5.In a similar alignment fashion, behind ingress port 5 is egress port 6(not shown), which is in alignment with upper port 15 a of kidney-shapedvalve 12 on right mounting bracket 22. When in this position, filtercartridge assembly 10 is in filtrate mode. The ingress and egress ports5, 6 of filter cartridge assembly 10 are vertical and in fluidcommunication with both upper ports 15 a of manifold valves 12, and withfluid portals 28 on mounting brackets 21, 22.

FIGS. 9A and 9B represent exploded views illustrating the alignment offluid portal 28 of right mounting bracket 22 with the dual aperture,integrated manifold valves 12 of manifold 20 when filter cartridgeassembly 10 is in filtrate mode (FIG. 9A), and when it is in servicemode (FIG. 9B). Alignment lines 100 indicate the relative placement ofmanifold valve 12 with respect to fluid portal 28. Fluid portal 28 is influid communication with either the upper port 15 a of manifold valve 12for filtration purposes, or the lower portion 15 b of manifold valve 12for service purposes. When in service mode, manifold 20 is pivotedupwards as depicted in FIG. 9B, rotated away from the vertical axis.Shoulder bolts 32 of manifold 20 are slidably positioned within, andguided by, arcuate guide tracks 210 a,b,c of mounting bracket 22. Thefluid flow is redirected from upper (filter) port 15 a of manifold valve12 to lower (bypass) port 15 b of manifold valve 12 without any leakagedue to the sealing attributes of resilient seal 14, which seals thecircumference of the upper and lower portions 15 a,b of manifold valve12. A single rotational movement of manifold 20 displaces upper port 15a of manifold valve 12 relative to fluid portal 28, that is, thepivoting of manifold 20 moves the manifold valves 12 relative to fluidportals 28 on mounting brackets 21, 22. Mounting brackets 21, 22 do notrotate. The manifold is the only rotational component of the filtrationsystem responsible for directing fluid flow. As a consequence, thebypass feature of the present invention has no internal moving parts—theonly pivoting movement is that of the manifold itself. There is norotary valve. Consequently, any additional components necessary toactivate a rotary valve, such as a handle, are not required. In thepresent invention, there are no internal rotatable components for ahandle to govern. Since filter cartridge assembly 10 is attached tomanifold 20, the rotation of manifold 20 to put the system in servicemode may be easily initiated by simply moving filter cartridge assembly10 upwards so that manifold 20 is as shown in FIG. 7B. This has theadded benefit of signaling to the user that the cartridge is ready forreplacement since it is no longer in the vertical operation position.

In the alignment positioning of FIG. 9A, the filtration system is infiltrate mode, and fluid from the fluid source is diverted through fluidportal 28, through upper filter port 15 a of manifold valve port 12 onone side of manifold 20, to filter cartridge assembly 10 (not shown)before continuing its path back through the filter cartridge egressport, the corresponding upper filter port 15 a of manifold valve port 12on the opposite side of manifold 20, and into the home.

The built-in bypass feature allows fluid to flow into the homeunfiltered during cartridge replacement. Upon replacement of filtercartridge assembly 10, one simply pivots the cartridge back to thevertical position, which realigns the upper filter ports 15 a ofmanifold valve 12 with fluid portals 28. This new alignment places thefiltration system back in filtrate mode.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the placement of manifold 20between mounting brackets 21, 22, as well as the positioning of pivotbosses 18, about which manifold 20 rotates. The only moving part is thepivoting manifold 20, which significantly increases the reliability ofthe filtration system, and facilitates manufacturing.

An advantage of the filtration system of the present invention is theconnection between the filter and the housing, and the ease of replacingthe filter (no tools are needed to turn water valves off or to open thehousing).

Importantly, the integrated manifold valve is specifically designed tobe a dual aperture valve, such as the preferred kidney-shaped embodimentdisclosed, although other dual aperture configurations are possible. Thedual aperture design facilitates a rotational cut-off and redirection offluid flow from the filter position to the replacement position afterrotation. Circumferential seal 14 ensures that there is no leakageduring the transition as fluid flows first into one aperture of the dualaperture (rotary) valve and then is redirected to flow into the otheraperture. Thus, a dripless, rapid redirection of fluid flow is achievedin this manner. The adjacent location of the apertures of this dualaperture design makes for a seamless, dripless transfer of fluidredirection with a simple pivot of the aperture.

In some embodiments filter cartridge assembly 10 includes a flexible,permeable filter bag or cartridge enclosure 8, which encompasses filtermedia 1. This flexible material is preferably made of a polyethylene, orthe like. FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of a portion of filtercartridge assembly 10 with filter media 1 shown encased in filter bag 8,both of which are insertable within filter sump 2. FIG. 12 depicts anexploded, side view of the top portion of filter bag 8. Apertures orvent holes 29 are formed on filter bag 8, located near the top, makefilter bag 8 permeable, and provide for limited fluid and gas flowduring operation of the filtration system. By making the filter bagpermeable, apertures 29 allow for de-pressurization when removing andreplacing the filter cartridge assembly. The high placement of theseapertures near the top of sump 2 also limits the amount of silt thatwould otherwise collect at the bottom of sump 2. If filter bag 8 is notmade permeable by associated apertures 29, the pressurization of filterbag 8 would require the rigidness of filter sump 2 to ensure the filterbag's structural integrity, insomuch as the resilient nature of filterbag 8 would cause it to expand considerably under pressure without thesupport of sump 2. Apertures 29 ensure that this unwanted expansion willnot occur. Without apertures 29, when replacing filter 50, filter bag 8may establish a vacuum with the inside of sump 2, prohibiting an easyextraction.

Construction of filter cartridge assembly 10 includes pressing thefilter cap onto a carbon block (filter media 1). Filter bag 8 is thenpreferably spin welded to the filter cap although other attachment meansin the art may be employed. Sealing O-Rings 7 are then placed on thefilter cap. Filter bag 8 and the filter cap 3 are both preferably madeof HDPE material. Filter cap 3 is preferably thicker than filter bag 8to increase strength. Filter cap 3 could be made of polypropylene (aslightly harder material) and still produce a good spin weld joint.FIGS. 13A and 13B depict the replaceable filter 50 of the presentinvention, which includes filter media 1, filter bag 8, and filter cap3.

In order to accommodate various user environments where differentfilters may be required for particular applications, and the replacementof one filter type with that of another is undesirable, in oneembodiment of the present invention, the top surface of filter cap 3 andthe adjoining bottom surface of filter lid 4 may include a plurality ofribs extending above the filter cap top surface and/or the filter lidbottom surface, and a plurality of corresponding grooves embedded withinthe filter cap top surface and/or the filter lid bottom surface forreceiving the ribs. Any combination of ribs and corresponding grooveswill permit the mating of only a particular filter cap with acorresponding filter lid, thus prohibiting unwanted filter replacements.In addition to a rib/groove mating structure, in another embodiment,extended and embedded shapes may be employed to perform the samereplacement filter identification function. The rib/groove matingstructure and the extended/embedded shape mating structure may be usedalone or in combination. As an illustrative example, FIG. 14 depicts afilter cap 3 top surface having extended ribs 34 and an extended shape35, and a filter lid 4 bottom surface having grooves 37 corresponding toribs 34, and an embedded shape 38 corresponding to extended shape 35.

In an alternative embodiment, the top surface of filter lid 4 and theadjoining bottom side of manifold 20 may include a plurality of ribsextending above the filter lid top surface and/or the manifold bottomside surface, and a plurality of corresponding grooves embedded withinthe filter lid top surface and/or the manifold bottom side surface forreceiving the ribs. Any combination of ribs and corresponding grooveswill permit the mating of only a particular filter lid with acorresponding manifold, thus prohibiting undesired filter cartridgeassembly replacements. In a similar manner to the filter cap/filter lididentification scheme, in another embodiment, extended and embeddedshapes may be employed on the filter lid top surface/manifold bottomside surface to perform the same replacement filter identificationfunction. The rib/groove mating structure and the extended/embeddedshape mating structure may be used alone or in combination.

The present invention presents a filtration system with an integratedmanifold valve 12. The filtration system employs only one pivotalcomponent—the pivoting of the manifold 20. The manifold valve 12includes a dual aperture design for a two-fold alignment scheme with theingress and egress lines of the fluid source. Importantly, the inventiondoes not require a multi-component rotary valve with internal, rotatableparts, or an activation component, such as a handle, for initiating therotary valve, allowing the user to rotate the rotational componentsthereof. The reduction in moveable components in this design reduces thelikelihood of failure and increases the reliability of the filtrationsystem.

While the present invention has been particularly described, inconjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident thatmany alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It istherefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any suchalternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

Thus, having described the invention, what is claimed is:
 1. A filtercartridge comprising: a filter media having a longitudinal axial center;and a filter cap securably attached to said filter media, said filtercap having a top surface including at least one identifying groove, rib,extended shape, or embedded shape, or any combination thereof, formedon, or attached to, said filter cap top surface, said filter capincluding: two cylindrical posts forming an ingress and egress portrespectively, each post having an aperture presented on an outwardfacing sidewall in opposing directions for water ingress or egress intosaid post, each aperture providing for water flow in a directionhorizontal to said longitudinal axial center, each post having a sealedtop surface for preventing water flow in an axial direction through saidpost sealed top surface, an upper circumferential groove or rib abovesaid aperture, and a lower circumferential groove or rib below saidaperture, for securing a resilient water-tight seal above and below saidport aperture to prevent axial flow of water on said outward facingsidewall above said upper circumferential groove or rib and below saidlower circumferential groove or rib, and one of said posts being alignedin the axial center of said filter cartridge along said longitudinalaxial center; wherein a filter lid having a bottom complementary rib,groove, embedded shape, or extended shape, or any combinationcomplementary to said filter cap top surface, adjoins said top surfaceof said filter cap by mating said at least one rib, groove, extendedshape, or embedded shape from said filter lid bottom surface to saidfilter cap top surface, and securing said filter lid to said filter captop surface by a clamp prior to attachment to a manifold.
 2. The filtercartridge of claim 1 including a resilient filter cartridge enclosureencompassing said filter media in a water-tight seal, and insertablewithin a sump.
 3. The filter cartridge of claim 1 including a resilientfilter cartridge enclosure encompassing said filter media, andinsertable within a sump includes, said filter cartridge enclosureincluding at least one aperture to provide for permeability anddepressurization.
 4. The filter cartridge of claim 2 wherein saidresilient filter cartridge enclosure is secured to said filter cap. 5.The filter cartridge of claim 1 wherein said posts include resilientO-ring seals above and below each aperture.
 6. A filter cartridgeassembly comprising: a sump adapted for sustaining pressure; a filtermedia insertable within said sump; a filter cap securably attached tosaid filter media, said filter cap having a top surface including atleast one identifying groove, rib, extended shape, or embedded shape, orany combination thereof, formed on, or attached to, said filter cap topsurface, said filter cap including: two cylindrical posts forming aningress and egress port respectively, each post having an aperturepresented on an outward facing sidewall in opposing directions for wateringress or egress into said post, each aperture providing for water flowin a direction horizontal to said longitudinal axial center, each posthaving a sealed top surface for preventing water flow in an axialdirection through said post sealed top surface, an upper circumferentialgroove or rib above said aperture, and a lower circumferential groove orrib below said aperture, for securing a resilient water-tight seal aboveand below said aperture to prevent axial flow of water on said outwardfacing sidewall above said upper circumferential groove or rib and belowsaid lower circumferential groove or rib, and one of said posts beingaligned in the axial center of said filter cartridge along saidlongitudinal axial center; a filter lid having a bottom complementaryrib, groove, embedded shape, or extended shape, or any combinationcomplementary to said filter cap top surface, adjoining said top surfaceof said filter cap by mating said at least one rib, groove, extendedshape, or embedded shape from said filter lid bottom surface to saidfilter cap top surface; and a clamp for securing said sump to saidfilter lid prior to attachment to a manifold, said clampcircumferentially surrounding said filter lid and said sump.
 7. Thefilter cartridge assembly of claim 6 wherein said clamp is a hoop strap.8. The filter cartridge of claim 6 including a resilient filtercartridge enclosure encompassing said filter media and secured to saidfilter cap.
 9. The filter cartridge of claim 8 wherein said resilientfilter cartridge enclosure includes at least one aperture.
 10. Thefilter cartridge of claim 6 wherein said posts include resilient O-ringseals above and below each aperture.
 11. The filter cartridge of claim 6including at least one boss on said sump for securing said sump to saidmanifold.